Rev. Donald Ray Pope

Reverend Donald Ray “Don” Pope, age 79, passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus on November 20, 2025. He spent the last two months at Delmar Gardens of Smyrna, and before that lived with his family in Marietta, the community he cherished and called home for most of his life.

Don fought a long and courageous eight-year battle with dementia, facing each step with the strength, humor, tenderness, and grit that defined him. Even in the hardest moments, his smile, warmth, and open spirit remained unmistakably him.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Theresa Monroe Pope, and their three daughters who adored him: Mendi Pittard (Dave), Misti Ellis (Chad), and Marni Carter (Austin). He was “Don Don” to eight grandchildren, each deeply loved and fiercely supported, including two who are now married. Though an only child, Don was embraced by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, who loved him as one of their own.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ulysses “J.U.” Pope and Mary Nell (Hickey) Pope.

Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Don moved to Marietta as a young child. He graduated from Marietta High School with perfect attendance from kindergarten through graduation, playing football and remaining a lifelong Blue Devil fan. He also played baseball in his younger years at Marietta Little League. At just 13 years old, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his early discipline and leadership.

As a teenager, Don became active in Youth for Christ, where he met Theresa when they were just 14 and 15. He attended Bob Jones University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in English Literature, perfectly fitting his love for Scripture and words. After college, he and Theresa married in June of 1967 and began a life together grounded in faith.

Don spent his years as a pastor serving at Marietta Baptist Tabernacle, Calvary Baptist in Claxton, Mount Vernon Baptist in Stockbridge, Shiloh Hills Baptist in Marietta, and eventually Smyrna Baptist, along with several para-church ministries. His ministry was marked by sincerity, compassion, and a deep desire for people to know Jesus.

After retiring from pastoral work, Don found unexpected joy driving the BOB bus for Kennesaw State University, connecting with students with the same warmth and humor he offered throughout his life.

Don loved Jesus, loved people, and loved life. He was gregarious, quick to laugh, and never met a stranger. He was a Braves fan, a storyteller, a practical joker, and a lifelong lover of animals, especially dogs. He was happiest with a fishing pole in hand, at a ballfield, reading a book, or being with family.

Above all, Don loved Jesus and his family. He was his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, their Don Don, and his encouragement, humor, and love will stay with them always.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.

Guests are invited to wear blue and dress comfortably, a reflection of Don’s joyful spirit and his favorite color.

And in the words that make his family smile through tears:

“Don Don, we love you with all our taters.”